Is $599 Out Of Line For A S&W 17-3?

Joe_Pike

New member
I can't keep up with gun prices anymore. They're up, then they're down. I have only run across two other model 17s in my area (one was a 17-8) and that was about three years ago. I bought it for $399 (it had the box, too). The other one was in a gold box and was almost $1,000. I passed on that one. Today I ran across a 17-3 from 1967 (it had the diamond grips). It had some muzzle wear and a turn ring, so, I'm saying it has been shot a fair amount but not abused. It had a $599 sticker on it.

I looked on Gunbroker and there were a few going for $450-$500 (that actually sold). The ones that bring a bunch of money are the pre-17s or the guns with 8 3/8" barrels. I would like to have another 17, but I would have to sell a gun or do some swapping to get it. Is there anyone seeing 17s in their area and if so what are the prices?
 

Technosavant

New member
I agree with Buzz. It looks like the prices of 17s have gone up lately... the longer barrels seem to go for more, but they still aren't really considered inexpensive considering the price of other K frame guns.
 

Don P

New member
Just my opinion, good deal. Twice the gun of todays S&W 617. The 17 has better fit and overall workmanship in it again my opinion. Here at a LGS there is a 17 for sale and has a price tag of $726 on it.
 

ROGER4314

New member
The only opinion that's important is yours. Is that 17 worth $600 to you? I sold mine about 15 years ago and I wish I had it back. Being retired, it's out of the question for me now but I'd pop for the pistol today. I like the 17's and they're hard to find. If I had that opportunity and if I had a job, I'd jump.

Flash
 

bimmer*tr

New member
Model 17's or K 22's in some areas of the country are hard to find and for one with diamond grips in very good condition sell for that and more...especially if the grips are in excellent shape. That is one of the best 22 revolvers made and the early ones are a dream to shoot.

Bimmer
 

freebird72

New member
This may not be what you wanted, but I was at a gun show yesterday and say a S&W 17(don't know what dash number) go for $650 with box.
 

Pointshoot

New member
"The only opinion that's important is yours. Is that 17 worth $600 to you? I sold mine about 15 years ago and I wish I had it back. Being retired, it's out of the question for me now but I'd pop for the pistol today. I like the 17's and they're hard to find. If I had that opportunity and if I had a job, I'd jump.

Flash"

IMO - - the prices on most things will continue to go up. I havent found that any of my decent guns have gone down in value. That is, if I bought a brand new 100% gun and shot and used it over time so that it was now rated 90% - - I've generally found that they now cost more than 90% rated guns at the time I bought it. And if I never shot it and its still at 100%, the new guns now cost more.

I doubt that after having it for 5 years & shooting/enjoying it you would lose much if you sold it at that time.
In, addition I'm willing to pay a little more for a gun that I can actually see and get my hands on locally to check out.
 

Pointshoot

New member
"(one was a 17-8) and that was about three years ago. I bought it for $399"


Depending on the methods used to calculate inflation, $399 in 2009 dollars is equivalent to anywhere from $425-525 today. (See thread on 'Gun Prices' - there are very good reasons to tend to believe the higher figure.)

So a lot of the price rise has to do with just inflation effects. The remainder might be higher demand today.
 

Joe_Pike

New member
Not that it matters a bunch, but I checked the serial number and it turns out it is a '71 with the wrong grips on it.
 
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